In Wagga’s Past – 25 and 50 Years ago.

16th November 2024

Compiled from the Daily Advertiser by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society.

25 Years Ago

• Mayor Kevin Wales hosted a civic reception for The Right Reverend John Webster moderator and head of the Presbyterian Church in Australia who grew up in Wagga and attended South Wagga Public and Wagga High School.

• Thousands of residents watched Lawrence Legend jump the Tourist Information Centre showered by fireworks to raise funds for charity.

• Speaking at the switching on of Wagga’s ground water pumps at the corner of Edward and Urana streets, Mayor Kevin Wales said that Wagga City Council is leading New South Wales and possibly the World in the urban salinity fight.

• Tourism Wagga Wagga launched two new tourism guides, one an improved guide for visitors and the second an update of the highly successful conference and convention guide.

• Turvey Park’s Nick Henderson signed a contract with premier Melbourne Storm.

• New Wagga City Councillor, Karen Wright is refusing to pay a $61 parking ticket handed out by a council ranger claiming it was issued under unfair circumstances.

• The Riverina Group Training Company (RGTC) donated $10,000 to Wagga’s radiotherapy centre appeal.

• Joan Hiscock celebrated her 80^th birthday at the Wagga Leagues Club with family and friends including Melinda Hackett, Maureen and Garry Hiscock, Wendy and Peter Drummond, Adam Drummond, Craig Hiscock, and Greg Hiscock.

• Kooringal Public School students, Brandon Hinneberg, Marcus Webster, and Victoria Meys were among those welcoming Santa Claus to Grace Bros store.

• Among those enjoying the Red Cross Garden Party at Lakehaven were Enid Lang, Fay Piltz, Joan Beirne, Joan Davy, Brenda Kendall, Leonie Kendall, Brenda Vincent, Marie Dew, Wilma Grinter, Ruth Walker, and Betty McCulloch.

• Gaby Hyland, Sarah Santarelli, Alison Buette, Adriana Hillie, Tana Fifield, and Robin Asimus were among those attending the Christian College Year 12 formal at the Rivcoll Auditorium.

• Craig McCorkindale, Meaghan Bradford, Kristy Burns and Eddie Whyman are pictured attending the Mount Austin High School Year 12 formal held at the RSL Club.

• More than 200 striking teachers protested against the State Government.

• Southern Rivers Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner Eric Gollan welcomed 39 new probationary constables who have been stationed in the Region including 10 in Wagga.

• Bernice Powell won the Women’s Golf New South Wales country championship division three.

• Some of Wagga’s best kickboxing talents are pitting their skills against the best fighters from across New South Wales and Victoria in a fight night at the Palladium.

50 Years Ago

• Graham Watson, Marina Veerhuis, David Piper and Brett Fellows are among school children attending learn swim classes conducted at the Wagga Baths by the Sport and Recreation Service of NSW.

• Central Wagga Apexians, represented by David Sullivan and Doug Willers presented a cheque to $1000 to Brian Privett and John Dillon representing Waratah Industries.

• John Shephard has been elected as president of the Field and Game Association of NSW.

• Recently retired Wagga Police District superintendent, Mr F L Keirnan is pictured with Mr Stan Sadlier and Ald Arthur Summons at a citizen’s farewell tendered at the RSL Club in his honour.

• Bert Schmidt has been re-elected president of the Riverina Australian Football Club for the fourth successive year.

• Wagga entrant in the National Heart Foundation’s Queen of Hearts Quest, Christa Cheney, was named as the Highest Regional Fund Raiser at a Gala Ball in Sydney.

• An exhibition of butterflies at the Wagga City Library is the result of a life-long hobby of Peter Bungay of Wagga.

• Both Kyeamba and Mitchell Shires have knocked back Wagga City Council proposals to extend its boundaries into their shires described by Mayor Dick Gorman, as extending the city to include virtually all of the property which could be seen from Willans Hill.

• County Clerk, John Colquhoun said that the Southern Riverina County Council’s water supply funds were in a “shocking financial position” and that consumers can expect about a 50% increase in water charges next year.

• The former Loretto Home of Compassion building in Wagga was sold to a local man for $50,000 as patients moved to a new facility at Ashmont.

• Spiralling wage costs may cause The Haven to close the Wendy Hucker Geriatric Section early next year.

• The Riverina’s registered unemployment figure has risen by more than 50% in 12 months with Wagga’s unemployment figure rising from 572 to 982.

• Mrs A Deacon has been elected president of the St Andrews Heather Club Ladies Auxiliary for the 24^th year in succession.

• Wagga householders will receive a twice weekly garbage collection all year round after December with an estimated additional cost of $3 in garbage rates.

• Peter Crivellaro and Allan Wilson won the stableford event on a countback from Mick O’Dowd and Slim Blight at the annual Captains-Presidents Day held at the Wagga City Golf Club.

• Hepburn and Lovett Pty Ltd have been appointed as agents for Komatsu forklift trucks.

Membership of the Wagga Wagga and District Historical Society is open to anyone with an interest in the local and regional history of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia. For more information about us and information on how to join our Society visit our website at https://www.wwdhs.org.au/about-us/members